The specialty chemicals group ALTANA increased sales by 5% to €1.7 billion in the business year 2012, thereby achieving the target level set for the past business year despite economic headwind. Earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) also grew by 5%, reaching €323 million. At 19%, the EBITDA margin remained at a high level.
"In 2012, we proved once again that we are able to achieve profitable growth, even in a rapidly changing environment," stated Dr. Matthias L. Wolfgruber, CEO of ALTANA AG, at the press conference on the 2012 financial statements. "This was possible because we have implemented our growth strategy consistently and acted flexibly.“
ALTANA was able to realize operating sales growth of 1%, despite stagnating sales volumes, by shifting to higher-grade specialty products and through price increases. Acquisitions contributed 1% to the overall growth, positive exchange rate effects accounted for 3%.
The BYK Additives & Instruments division, the Group's division with the highest turnover, increased sales nominally 6% to €618 million in 2012. Adjusted for positive exchange rate and acquisition effects, sales growth was 3%. As a result, BYK achieved the highest operating increase in sales within the ALTANA Group.
At €341 million, sales in the ECKART Effect Pigments division was 2% down on the previous year (4% operating decrease). Positive exchange rate effects could not fully offset the ongoing market slowdown. The ELANTAS Electrical Insulation division, however, was able to continue its growth trend, achieving an increase in sales of 6% to €413 million (2% operating growth).
The nominally highest sales increase in 2012 was achieved by the ACTEGA Coatings & Sealants division. At €334 million, sales were up 12% on the previous year (2% operating growth). This development was driven by the acquisition of the Colorchemie Group in mid-2011, which contributed to sales for a full business year for the first time in 2012.
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